Alderney Manor gets permanent system installed to fight legionnaires'

A treatment system will be permanently installed at Alderney Manor in Dartmouth in an effort to killbacteria that caused an outbreak of legionnaires' disease at the building two weeks ago, the province said Friday.

A copper-silver ionization system, usedto treat both hot and cold water running through the building, has been purchased by the governmentand will soon be installed, according to a news release.

Five people who live in the building were confirmed to have contracted the disease a severe form of pneumoniaby the Nova Scotia Health Authority. The first case was confirmed Sept. 2.

• Legionnaires' disease confirmed in Dartmouth by health authority

The bacteria is spread by water mist, often throughshowers andair conditioners. Symptoms includefever, chills, muscle aches and diarrhea. It's more common among older people and is fatal in 15 per cent of cases.

On Friday, pipes running through all units in the building were flushed with hot water and treated witha leased copper-silver ionization system for a second time. The first flushingwas done Sept. 11.

Residents have been told not to use showers for the next two weeks until the building's cold water is treated. In the meantime, residents have been told they can use reserved showersattheDartmouth Sportsplex.

The government says no one has come forward with symptoms of legionnaires' diseasein over a week.